How to choose the right career
- Part 2 -

Mehnaz N *

Future

1. Easy access to a career. Consider what career options are available for you to easily move into. These would be careers in which you have both the necessary skills and an "in". Examples would be working for the same company as one of your parents, working for a family business, or working for a friend. If your options are limited, choosing a career in which you can quickly enter may be your best option.

2. Future financial security. One of the most important things to consider is if the career path you're choosing will provide you with an acceptable level of financial security. In other words, will you be able to make enough money to support yourself and your family?

Remember, this doesn't have to be a lot of money or enough money by somebody else's standards. All that matters is that it's enough for you and what you want for your life.

3. Future job stability. It is also important to consider a future career's stability. Job markets fluctuate as society needs different things at different times. Certain jobs are also always in demand or frequently unstable. You will need to consider if the career you choose is stable enough for you and your desires for the future.

For example, many people recently went into law school and racked up often in excess of $100,000 in school debt because they thought they'd be making a very high wage in the future. However, law positions are not in demand as much the last few years and now those people have huge debts and no way to pay them.

Another example is working as a writer or any career based on freelance work. You may sometimes have plenty of work but there may be years when you have almost nothing. Working in this way requires a certain level of determination and discipline and is not for everybody.

4. The Occupational Outlook Handbook. One way for you to gauge if a career option is a good idea is to look it up in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. This is a guide, compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which looks at what kind of education is required for different jobs, how much people in those careers make on average, and how much the demand for that job is likely to increase or decrease.

"Holding up for your interest while considering the financial stats, is the best way to pursue a career. You need not just consider one or many options but look for something that best suits you." says Roland Scott, a senior career consultant in a recruiting firm. Johanna, a professional model quoted, "I took 5 years to decide what I want in life, in terms of my career. It was hard for me as I looked for an easy option however now I do realize that it is a matter of situation and scenario."

Tips

o People rarely know right away what career they should be in and it takes most people several years to settle into the path they will follow. Don't feel like you're behind!

o If you don't like your career, change it! Sometimes it takes more work, especially if you're older, but it's possible for anyone.

o It's not the end of the world if you choose a career that isn't something you dreamed of doing ever since you were little. If you have a job that doesn't make you miserable but which securely provides for your and your family's future, you will be surprised how happy you feel about your life and career.

Warnings

o Be wary of jobs offered overseas. Thoroughly research any company before traveling to take a job. At best you can get conned...at worst, dead.

o Be wary of any job which promises easy money. There is rarely any such thing.

o Don't get pulled into a Ponzi scheme or any other similar con. These can land you in debt or even prison.

Careers After 12th

Now that you know what interests you through the above, YSN presents you a list of career and college options after you complete your 12th standard. Read on:

1. Engineering

Engineering is all about the jargons like invent, build, design, process, improve, system, material, devices, machines among others. You can opt for the engineering branch from the following: Electrical Engineering
Electronics & Communication Engineering
Biotechnology
Computer Science and Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Food Technology
Textile Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Aeronautical Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Petroleum Engineering

2. Medical

Career in medical sciences is one of the sought after option after 12th standard. It offers prospective career opportunities in, MBBS apart there are a lot of options in the healthcare field. Given below are the career options in medical:
MBBS
BDS
Nursing
Physiotherapy
BAMS
BHMS
BUMS
Medical Lab Technician
Occupational Therapy

To be continued ...